The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1887-06-23
Especial to the News and Couricr.)

one of the most notable contributions tc
the history of these times. It is the let
ter of brave man and true soldier:
Een. Drums Lotter.
WAR DEPARTMENT.,
ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 30, 1887.
Hon. William G. Endicott, Secretary
Of War-Sir; have the honor to state
shat there are now in this Office (storcd
in one of the attic rooms of the build
ing) number of Union flags captured
in action, but recovered on the fall OF
the Confederacy and forwarded to the
war department for safe keeping, togeth-
or with number of Confederate flags,
which the fortunes of war placed il our
hands during tbs late oivil war.
HWhiie, In the past, favorable action
has always been taken on applications,
properly supported, for the return of
ing survivors of tho military regiments
in the service Of the Government, l beg
to submit that it would be graceful act
to anticipate future requests of this na-
tire, 9na Y2ntpra pa suggest Fhe pro
pficty or returning oil the flags Union
End Confederatel to the authorities Of
the respective States, in WHICH the regi-
mcnts which bore these colors were Or
ganized, for such final disposition as
they may determine.
While, in all of the civilized nations
of the Ola Word, trophies, takcu in
wars against foreign enemies, have been
Carefully preserved and exhibited as
proud mementoes of 6he nations d Iilita-
ry glories, wise aud obvious reasons have
always excepted from the rulo, evidences
Of past internecine troubles which, by
appeals tO the arbitration of the sword,
have disturbed tho peaceful march Of q
people to its destiny.
Over twenty years have elapsed since
the termination of the late civil war.
Many of the prominent leaders, riyjl and
military, of the ]atQ Confederate States
ore now honored representatives Of the
TGtional councils, or in other eminent
positions lend the aid Of their talents to
the wise administration of tho affairs OF
the whole country and the people of the
several States composing the Union are
now united treading the broader road to
q glorious future.
Impressed with these facts, ! have the
honor to submit the suggestion made in
SGis letter for the careful consideration
it will receive at your hands.
Very truly yours,
r.. 9. DRUM, Adiutant General.
The endorsement of the secretary of
war upon this letter is as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT., May 26, 1857.
!lhe within recommendation is ap.
proved by the President, and the Adju-
tant General will prepare letters to
Governors of those States whose troops
carried the colors and flags now in this
department, with the offer to return
them as herein proposed, the history OF
each flag and the circumstances of its
capture or recRpture to be given.
.WoI. c. END4coT4,
Secretary of War.
In accordance with the instructions
from the secretary of war, Gen. Dunn
prepared the following letter which was
sent to Governor Richardson:
WAR DEPARTMENT, )
ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE, I
WASHINGTON, June 7, 1887. \
10 Governor j. p. Richardson, Co
lumbia, S. C.-Sir The President o.
the United States having approved the
recommendation that all the flags in tho
custody Of the war department. be re
turned to the authorities of the rcspec
tive States in which the regiments whicl
bore them wero Organized, for such fina
disposition as they may determine, / an
inetrupted by the honorable secretary O.
war to make you lin the name of the wal
Department. n tender Of the flags now il
this Office belonging to late voluntce1
organizations of the State of South Car
olina,
In discharging this pleasant duty beg
you wilLplease advise me Of your wishc!
in this matter. 1t is the intention, il
returning each flag, to give its history
so far as it is possible to do SO, statint
the circumstances of its capture and re
coVery. have the honor to be, yer,
respectfully, your obediont servant,
II. @. DRUM, Adjutant General.
Tho South Carolina Flags.
Among the captured Southern ban
ners are twelve flags which were captured
by the Federal troops in battle or wer
picked up after the surrender of Charles
ton. Some of them are of very orea
historic value and it is hoped that tue,
VIII De carefully, preserved when the
are. hnally turned over to the State O
the Yalor OF whose troops thew are. g.
precious amemorial. Tho FOLLOWING
a brlet description Of,these faos and n
the circumstances attending their can
ture: O'f
Confederate battle flag, captured fro,,
South Carolina regiment at the battle y
SharpsbHrg, September II, 1862, ct tn
stone wall in front of the 1st brioedt
I'D division, 9th army corps, by PrivHf
Thomas Hare, Co. 3D." 89th regiment
New York Volunteers. Private liar
was afterwards killed.
Confederate battle flag, captured O
Malvern Hill, near James River, vi,
ginia, July l, 1862, by Sorgt. w. j
Whittrick, SD Pennsylvania Volunteers
Buttertield's brigade. This flag wa
taken from a South Carolina regiment
who piled up their dead to resist the al
tack of the brigade.
Flag Of the 18th South Carolina Vo
Greek, Swift Greek, Petersburg, Jim
"a, Weldon Railroad.
Flag Of the 10th South Carolina 70